News 09:00

BULLETIN 8 March 9 am

Good morning. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# The DA welcomes Senzo Mchunu’s investigation into the Mdluli family’s SAPS employment
# The Electricity minister is to give an update on electricity generation
# And soccer: Bafana will play Benin in Ivory Coast in a World Cup qualifier

# The DA has welcomed Police minister Senzo Mchunu’s commitment to investigate the continued employment of Richard Mdluli’s family members in SAPS. DA police spokesperson Ian Cameron stressed the importance of accountability and transparency in SAPS Crime Intelligence, particularly regarding financial irregularities and improper appointments. He says the investigation will ensure integrity and professionalism in the law enforcement system:

# City Power has announced that it will implement Stage 3 load-shedding in line with Eskom’s need to replenish emergency reserves. The power interruptions will continue throughout the weekend. City power spokesperson Isaac Mangena has urged customers to use electricity sparingly, as the system remains constrained. He has warned of potential delays in addressing outages due to an increase in cable theft during this period:

Meanwhile Electricity and Energy minister Kgosientsho Ramokgopa will provide an update today on the status of electricity generation as South Africa remains on Stage 3 load-shedding. Eskom attributes the situation to the unexpected shutdown of Koeberg Unit 2 and coal supply issues affecting two Kusile units. The power utility plans to restore six-thousand-200-megawatts by Monday while replenishing emergency reserves over this weekend. The update is expected to outline progress and further recovery plans.

# Botswana has reaffirmed its commitment to providing free antiretroviral drugs to foreign inmates, including South Africans and Zimbabweans, despite the suspension of US health aid under the Trump administration. Health Ministry spokesperson Christopher Nyanga assured that no one receiving assistance will be left without treatment. Many NGOs have closed due to funding cuts, but the government advises affected individuals to seek services at public health facilities, ensuring continued care for all in need.

# And soccer: Bafana Bafana will play Benin in a World Cup qualifier in Ivory Coast later this month. The match on the 25th will be played at the same stadion in Abidjan where South Africa beat the Democratic Republic of Congo to take the bronze medal in last year’s Africa Cup of Nations. Benin was forced to move the game because of a lack of stadiums suitable for an international match. Another 17 African teams cannot play at home because of sub-standard stadiums.

Stay tuned for more news………….